Healing with the Science of Mind

Dr. Ernest Holmes developed the Science of Mind® in the 1920s after taking a keen interest in some of the faith healers that travelled through New England in the previous decades. He was convinced that there was a principle at work, a Spiritual law which, if discovered, could be used by all who took the time to learn. He was not of the opinion that some people have abilities that others do not, except in degree, just like one may have a natural gift for the piano, but anyone can learn to play to some degree.

Dr. Holmes textbook is now past its 50th printing of the Second Edition, and thousands have learned Holmes' method, to whatever degree their level of interest took them.

To many the idea of scientific prayer is quite foreign. However, it has proven itself to many as a healing method which opens up the body and mind to its own inner Spiritual healing resources.

The body (or the mind) always heals itself. No medical, psychological, or other practitioner can force healing upon a client. All interventions can but open a way for the natural healing processes of the body to re-assert themselves. Healing prayer is no different.

Religious Science, the organization which teaches the Science of Mind, begins with the understanding that God or Spirit is the inner essence or reality of all living things; indeed of all things. There is a spiritual pattern, or universal idea, behind each form, which has drawn together the energy needed to make that form appear in the material world that we know.

This spiritual pattern contains no error. However, as we know, our bodies are not perfect. Therefore they are only approximate in adhering to their spiritual pattern. Returning to this perfection is a natural and continual tendency for us; blocked only by our thoughts and actions during the daily living of life. The greater the blocks we have, the further we drift from perfect health or wholeness.

Scientific prayer, known also as Spiritual Mind Treatment, creates a focus and a concentration on the reality of our perfect nature; and mentally casts aside the errors in thought which have caused us to drift away from our inner Truth. It begins by assuming that the innate activity of Spirit is to realize perfection, and therefore by removing blocks to this we may be healed. Call these blocks sins, if you wish; although they are approached without judgment, shame, or blame – much as one would approach a sliver in a hand or foot.

Spiritual Mind Treatment may seem to some like a vague or trivial process, but it is quite specific in its application, and has been shown to produce quite tangible results. It works by establishing positive faith, or belief, which brings about acceptance of Good.

Compiled by Dr. Ernest Holmes in the 1920s, the Science of Mind is primarily based on Biblical teachings; but it pays respect to other spiritual traditions, recognizing that wisdom has come to humanity by many routes and in many ways. It ignores much of the cultural and historical content of scriptures, concentrating instead on the specific truths which are being illustrated therein. It provides a method of prayer which is based on faith in the goodness and approachability of God.

The Science of Mind draws upon work done throughout the 1800s and 1900s, in addition to the Old and New Testament. It leans heavily upon the work of Thomas Troward, British judge and lecturer on ‘Mental Science’, and on Ralph Waldo Emerson, the great Unitarian pastor, professor and essayist. It also draws upon some of the modern faith healing traditions, including Christian Science. In the words of Holmes, it correlates "the laws of science, the opinions of philosophy, and the revelations of religion applied to the needs and the aspirations of humankind."

Religious Science Practitioners receive over three years of class training; followed by one year of internship, during which they must obtain several testimonials as to the efficacy of their prayer work. They are licensed by Religious Science International, on recommendation of their local minister. To contact a practitioner in Saskatoon, call the Centre for Positive Living at 306-975-2022. To find one elsewhere in North America or around the world, the Religious Science International web site is at http://www.rsintl.org/